You Know What Time It Is | Double-Up Dame

The Talk of the NBA has been Portland’s all-star guard Damian Lillard. He silenced all critics with his historic performance in their first round series vs. the OKC Thunder. Damian Lillard Hit a 37 FT 3-pointer for the game, ending the Thunder’s playoff run. Within minutes his shot circulated across every social media platform and the video went viral. As for Dame, his eyes remain on the prize of winning a NBA Championship. The win was huge for the Trailblazers; providing them with some extra momentum needed to make a run in the Western conference. Damian Lillard has been on the road to redemption after being swepts in the past 2 post-seasons. This time around the narrative has change; Lillard and the Trailblazers are a force reckon with. Portland will go head-to-head with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets on Monday night.

Trailblazer Guard Damian Lillard celebrates on game-winning shot. (Photo by: Oregon Live)

“At the last second he stepped towards me, so I had to pound dribble, side-step, and raise up”

— Damian Lillard

Throughout his illustrious career Damian Lillard has played with a chip on his shoulder. The narrative was created during his time at Weber State University. Lillard wasn’t heavily recruited by top-tier programs like Duke, UNC, and Kentucky. Despite of those odds Lillard was able to prove all the doubters wrong, becoming a lottery pick in the 2013 NBA draft. In 7 seasons Damian Lillard is a Rookie of the Year, 4-Time All-Star, and 3-Time All-NBA Team. But still, the Oakland native isn’t satisfied. His eyes are set on winning an NBA championship. Heading into the Western Conference semifinals Damian Lillard is averaging 33 points, 6.0 assists, and 48% from deep. The Nuggets won the season series against the Trailblazers 3-1, but Dame and the Trailblazers have other plans.

Damian Lillard and the Portland Trailblazer’s will face the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semi-finals (Photo by: SB Nation)

“For me I love what my situation is. You know I don’t take my position for granted, I know that this is the organization that drafted me, they always done right by me. ”

— Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard has solidified a spot in the conversation for the best guard in the NBA. When it comes to consistency there is no other point guard that displays his ability to produce each night. Damian Lillard has missed 24 games in 7 years of his career and has played a total of 96% of his games. In comparison to the top tier guards across the NBA, they all have a high level of assistance from their counterparts. However, Lillard has been devoid the level of help that Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry, and Russell Westbrook all have. It’s time we start giving Lillard the credit he’s due after out dueling Russell Westbrook in round one. Dame has shownt he world that he’s that special. Ladies and gentlemen Damian Lillard has arrived!

Damian Lillard walks off after post-game celebration in the first round of the NBA Playoffs (Photo by: Washington Post).

“Damian Lillard deserves to be First team All-NBA, did you guys know Damian Lillard has only missed 4% of his games in his entire career. This is his 7th season!”

— Stephen A. Smith

Thanks: ESPN, SB Nation, Blecher Report

Athlete: Damian Lillard

The OVO Raptors | OVO Athletic Centre

Toronto Rapper Drake and the Raptors have renamed their training facility to the OVO Athletic Centre. Formerly known as the BioSteel Centre was opened in 2016 and is one of the top premier facilities in the NBA. The OVO Brand has become a staple-head fro the Toronto Raptors. Over a 5-year span Drake and the Toronto Raptors have developed an authentic partnership. In 2013 Drake was introduced as the Raptors Global Ambassador, 2 months later Toronto was selected to host the 2016 All-Star weekend. Now Toronto has eclipsed into an emerging sports market and a top-tier team in the NBA. Its exciting times for the Toronto Raptors as they clinched a berth spot for the 2019 NBA playoffs, and with the rebrand of their storied facility.

Toronto Raptors training facility is called the “OVO Athletic Centre”. Toronto Rapper Drake and the Raptors have a lasting partnership that stemmed from 2013. (Photo by: MLSE)

“Sports are central to the culture of OVO and have the great quality of connecting people from all walks of life. This facility represents our commitment to invest in the future of sports and young athletes in Toronto.”

— Oliver El-Khatib

Drake has been very influential in rebranding the raptors ball club as well as launching the “We The North” campaign. The nature of their partnership has impacted the culture of basketball across the Canadian landscape. The main objective has been to create a winning basketball culture here in Toronto as well as make social contributions to underprivileged communities in the GTA. The Welcome to Toronto program has donated $1 million to refurbish basketball courts in Toronto. $2 million was donated to Canada Basketball, which will be used to develop basketball programs across Toronto. Canada Basketball program has been progressively moved into the conversation as a prominent international program. This summer they will compete in the 2019 FIBA World Cup in China.

Toronto Raptors Global Ambassador Drake and General Manager Masai Ujiri reveil the Toronto Raptors OVO uniforms they will wear in “Welcome Toronto” home games. (Photo by The Score)

“Drake and OVO are an important part of our city’s landscape, our team’s identity, and our plans to bring a championship to Toronto.”

— Masai Ujiri

The Toronto Raptors will use the Welcome Toronto program to give back to fans, the community, and the game of basketball. (Photo by NBA)

Drake has been very influential in reinvigorating the Raptors brand as well as launching the “We The North” campaign. This culture-crazed phenomenon has catapulted Toronto’s entertainment scene into another bracket. Toronto Raptors “Drake Night” has become a fan- favoured event for Torontonians; the atmosphere is one of a kind. In January 2018 Drake announced “Welcome Toronto”, which featured 6 OVO-themed home games every season. The Raptors will play in OVO uniforms and the black and gold designed home court. This season the Toronto Raptors have shown their ability to be a force in the eastern conference, with the rebrand of their practice facility should give them the momentum they need heading into their playoffs. Can this be the year? Let’s see what else plans the Toronto rap icon has in stores.

Thanks: Toronto Raptors, Welcomeovo, MLSE, NBA

Figure: Drake